A car accident is likely to result in hefty repair bills. You may even need to replace your vehicle entirely. Who pays for this damage? That can vary based on your specific situation, but an experienced San Antonio, Texas car accident lawyer from our firm can help you get to the bottom of things.
Who Is Responsible For Paying For Vehicle Damage?
The driver who caused the accident should be responsible for paying for any repairs to your vehicle. Every driver in Texas must carry liability coverage in their insurance policy. This coverage can reimburse others for medical expenses and property damage.
Each driver’s policy covers $25,000 in property damage per accident. What happens if that’s not enough? What happens if the other driver ignores the law and doesn’t have insurance at all? Then you may need to rely on your own coverage.
Can My Own Insurance Coverage Be Used to Repair Damage?
There are two types of coverage that could be helpful here, but neither is mandatory. The first is collision. This optional coverage pays for repairs regardless of who is at fault, so you can use it to fix any damage to your car. There is usually a deductible to worry about though.
Then there is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This can kick in if the other driver does not have insurance or if their policy limit is reached. This coverage is sold in $5,000 increments and may also require that a deductible be paid.
When Do I Need to Sue For Compensation?
In an ideal situation, it’s clear that the other driver is at fault and their insurance pays your damages. Unfortunately, things don’t always go this smoothly. It may be necessary to sue for compensation due to a number of factors. You may have to contend with:
- Debate about who is at fault
- Damages that far exceed the other driver’s policy limits
- The involvement of multiple parties
Let’s say you get hit by someone who is driving to work. Is their company also partly negligent? What if a particular vehicle part fails and contributes to the accident? It may be possible to sue a manufacturer in addition to the driver of the other vehicle.
There are so many elements that can complicate a case, which is why it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your particular situation. Things could be simple and you could receive a payout thanks to the other driver’s liability insurance, or it may be necessary to hire an attorney and build a case that can succeed in court.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you were in a car accident and you believe that you are owed compensation, contact Sahadi Legal Group. Our initial case consultations are free, so take the time to learn more about your options without any obligation. We are ready to help you hold any liable parties accountable.
